Resting Aspergillus fumigatus conidia induce IFN-β signaling in respiratory epithelial cells

Aspergillus fumigatus is a fungal pathogen of major clinical importance. However, little is known about the role of human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) during A. fumigatus conidia induced inflammation. Here we show that differentiated respiratory epithelial cells recognize resting but not swollen conidia or hyphae resulting in the induction of the IFN-β signaling pathway and the expression of IFN-β inducible genes such as IP-10. This induction was internalization dependent. We identified double stranded conidia RNA recognized by TLR-3 as a factor responsible for the expression of IFN-β and IP-10. Inhibition…